What We’re Reading: Lena Dunham’s Not That Kind of Girl

Not That Kind of Girl by lena dunham

Lena Dunham’s Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" was released on Amazon a few days ago, and I bought it right away! After reading the first chapter, I was immediately hooked. Her writing style is poetic, yet relatable, and I love the way she honestly and bluntly describes herself. This is the definition of a tell-all book.

I would say it appeals more to women ages 20-35, maybe 40. It is a sort of coming-of-age novel in which Dunham recalls her awkward years, finding herself, and all the quirky habits that make her who she is today. It is enchanting and extremely honest. In the first chapter she describes not being able to find a group she fit into as a 20-year-old, but having hope that “they would recognize me when they saw me. They would like me enough that it wouldn’t matter if I liked myself” (Not That Kind of Girl). That kind of reality is hard to share, but it helps so much in drawing your readers in and relating to them directly. 

Be warned: this book is not censored; Dunham holds nothing back, as in she is not afraid to “make casual reference to my vagina, like it’s a car or a chest of drawers.”. If you’re comfortable with a bit of vulgarity, you will love this book.

I completely recommend reading it, and check out Dunham’s book tour if it’s headed to your city!